Topline
Sidelined Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will not face charges for waving a gun during an Instagram Live video at a strip club over the weekend, Colorado police said, though he still faces an NBA investigation and his potential punishment from the league remains unclear.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts following a basket during the first quarter of the game … [+]
Key Facts
Glendale, Colorado police said in a statement that media reports alerted them to the “concerning” video, but there were no calls for disturbances from the club and there was not enough evidence to determine probable cause to charge Morant.
The video, posted after the Grizzlies’ Friday night loss to the Denver Nuggets, shows Morant very briefly brandishing a gun as he parties in the dimly lit club.
Colorado is an “open carry” state—meaning it’s legal for adults to openly carry guns without a permit, including in bars where there is no signage banning them—though it’s illegal to possess a firearm while intoxicated.
Crucial Quote
“The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm and in fact no firearm was ever located,” the Glendale Police Department said.
What To Watch For
The NBA is conducting its own investigation into Morant, and he could face a lengthy suspension if it’s discovered he brought the gun on a team bus or plane or into the Grizzlies’ locker room, which is explicitly prohibited under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union. Then-Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas received a 50-game suspension in 2010 for storing guns in his locker at the Wizards’ home arena, though that was also in violation of local law and Arenas pleaded guilty to carrying an unlicensed firearm.
Key Background
Morant has sat out the two Grizzlies games since the video was posted, and it’s uncertain when he might return. He said in a statement after the incident he planned to “take some time away to get help.” Morant’s absence could have major ramifications on the remainder of the NBA season given the competitive state of the Western Conference. The Grizzlies were considered a top contender to reach the NBA Finals this year but the team has lost both games Morant has sat out, dropping them to third in the Western Conference standings. Many league observers hold Morant, 23, as one of the top young talents in the NBA. He’s been selected to the NBA All-Star Game the past two seasons.
Further Reading
Ja Morant says he’ll get help after video shows apparent gun (Associated Press)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/03/08/grizzlies-star-ja-morant-wont-face-charges-for-gun-waving-video/